Massive Damage to Agriculture and Economy
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal announced that recent floods have inflicted damages worth Rs500 billion on Punjab’s economy. He shared the estimate while addressing a ceremony for distributing relief goods among flood victims. According to him, millions of acres of fertile land were destroyed. Nearly 4.3 percent of the province’s agricultural land has been damaged. Around 4.5 million people have been directly affected by the disaster.
Government Response and Self-Reliance
Ahsan Iqbal stressed that the floods have once again set back Punjab’s agriculture and overall economy. However, he emphasized that the government would not depend on foreign loans or external aid. Instead, the focus will remain on self-reliance. “The nation will say goodbye to the begging bowl,” he declared. His remarks highlighted a clear shift toward strengthening domestic resilience and resource management.
Climate Change as a Present Reality
The minister also underlined the role of climate change in intensifying the floods. He warned that climate change is no longer a distant concern but an immediate reality. He explained that the 2025 floods serve as undeniable proof of the growing climate crisis. While distributing relief items, he noted that the act symbolized both support and solidarity with affected families.
Relief Commissioner’s Update on Flood Impact
The relief commissioner of Punjab also presented an update on the situation. He reported that 4,700 villages have been hit by the floods. At least 104 people have lost their lives. A meeting of agricultural departments from all provinces has been called to review the full extent of the losses.
Warning of More Rainfall
Authorities have issued an alert for the eleventh spell of monsoon rains. Heavy rainfall is expected in upper Punjab starting tomorrow. The relief commissioner warned of possible flooding in rivers and streams. Residents have been urged to remain cautious and follow safety advisories.
